RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G. Bonilla
Successful graduates of Northwestern University

LAOAG CITY – March every year is a memorable month especially those who have made a name in their respective fields of specialization. Bright-eyed, young graduates leave the hallowed halls of their colleges and universities, eager to carve their names alongside those of great men and women who have changed society.

For these graduates, there is a world of exciting and countless opportunities. Filipino culture puts an extremely high premium on education. History reveals that Spanish friars established institutions of higher learning in the country as early as the 16th century, but these were opened to Filipinos only by the end of the 17th century.

Life in school can be taxing and scary but for college graduates who persevere, a bigger challenge awaits in the battlefield of life. Inside the classroom, a student learns to respect authority and follow rules imposed upon him. Just imagine a society wherein every citizen disregards and violates rules and regulations. Chaos would inevitably prevail.

A sense of responsibility is developed through years of schooling. The student begins to realize that homework must be done and deadlines have to be met. This habit of delivering the goods within the allotted time is the kind of work ethic that ensures success in the world beyond the walls of school.
***
I would like to give recognition to my beloved Alma Mater whom I consider still one of the best in terms of educational excellence. The Vedasto J.Samonte School of Graduate Studies under the leadership of Dr.Elsie C.Pilar, a pillar of educational advancement among educators and professionals, continues to give quality education to those who are seeking the light of knowledge as a way to serve the country and set an example worthy to be emulated by future generations of Filipinos.

Northwestern University will be honored for having successful graduates in masteral and soctorate programs. I would like to congratulate Floresita Calaycay Pe Benito (Doctor of Education), a model educator and an epitome of woman virtues. Her dissertation entitled, "Research-Based Student Manual" can be of great help in the academe. She has been a savant Professor of NU/

Another equally talented lady, Veronica Fuerte Guerrero (Doctor of Education) reaped the admiration of the University with her dissertation entitled," Computer-Based Strategic Intervention Material: An Alternative Delivery Mode for Improvement of Teaching English.”

She was one of the three teacher coordinators of the Southeast Asean Ministry of Educational Organization-Computer/Internet Technology Project representing the Philippines. Her performance in the organization qualified her to be one of the 16 Filipino teacher scholars of a short-term study and training on the "Introduction of Computer/Internet Technology for Teaching and Learning" at Nanyang University, Singapore sponsored by Singapore-US Development Program.Macario Rufino Arlante Salva(Doctor of Philosophy) was a Part-time Professor of Vedasto J.Samonte School of Graduate Studies and in the College of Arts and Sciences of NU.

He was a dean of CAS in1991-1992.He reaped several awards like 2006 Judicial Excellence Award as Outstanding Clerk of Court of the Philippines given by the Society for Judicial Excellence of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Outstanding Laoagueno in 2007 for government service, 2007 Diamond Jubilee Outstanding Alumnus, Northwestern University.

His formal treatise,” Development of Teaching Exemplars on the Law of Katarungang Pambarangay for Barangay Officials, upon Members, Educators and Students” a great contribution in the field of local governance. This man of wisdom had been an Alumnus of Divine Word College of Laoag and graduated summa cum laude.
***
Lawyer Eddie R.Gregorio(Master of Arts in Public Administration)is another recipient of scholastic honor in the Graduate School of NU under the Masteral program. His thesis entitled,” Correlates the Legislative Productivity of Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod Members of Ilocos Norte" can give us an insight about local legislation.

This exemplary graduate hails from Brgy.14,Piddig,Ilocos Norte. He was born on March 26, 1981 to Rosalindo and Wilma Ramento-Gregorio. He was class valedictorian when he graduated at Roosevelt High School in Piddig, magna cum laude when he graduated in 2002 with a degree of Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science at NU. He finished Bachelor of Laws in 2006.He is presently affiliated to Guillermo,Labayog,Garvida,and Gregorio Law Offices.

Despite her success, Eddie remains humble and friendly. Other excellent graduates include: Jennifer Lynn M.Felipe (Master of Science in Management Engineering) with her thesis,” Technology Integration Handbook in Mathematics," Gorge M.Bagaoisan (Master of Arts in Education) with thesis entitled, "Research-Based Handbook for Revitalized Scouting Program in the Elementary" added to the profiles of learning. Congratulations to all of you.

To the president of Northwestern University , Col.Ben Nicolas (Ret.) and the chairman of the board of directors, Col.Willie Nicolas ,Col.Roy Nicolas, thank you for the light of wisdom that NU has continuously provided for the sake of public service and for the educational, spiritual ,social and moral transformation of society.
***
DATA Center College of the Philippines is a well-known institution of learning in Ilocandia which has pioneered in computer technology. Its faculty members are competent. The motivation given by DCCP president Joseph Sicco,DCCP vice-president for academic affairs Dr.Vicente Bonoan, deputy vice-president for academic affairs Nenita Respicio, administrator Arlene Coloma, director of student affairs Efren Valdez,and heads of several departments.

I would like to mention the name of the dynamic dean of the criminology department Prof. Marcelo Montano from Baguio City for giving much inspiration to the future vanguards of our society. The students in criminology have been lucky for having a brilliant head in the person of Dean Montano.

I would also like to mention the kind and accommodating registrar Neva Manding, and the friendly and kind librarian Jocelyn Garalde, together with Cathy. To all the graduates of DATA Center College of the Philippines, may your journey in the pathways of life bring you abundant blessings and victories despite the trials and obstacles on the way.

Temporary setbacks are just temporary and can be overcome by faith, devotion to God, humility, and moral courage. Press on and never get intimidated with other aspirants from different colleges and universities. You must be proud of your institution and always be ready to defend its philosophy and noble principles. This is the source of your strength. Seek the guidance of the almighty God in all your undertakings. Your character must be beyond reproach. More power, graduates!